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Harmony Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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harmony

[ˈhɑːrməni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

Harmony is the combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions having a pleasing effect.

Synonyms

accord, concord, melody.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harmony

This is used to describe a pleasing combination of different parts working together peacefully. It is often used in music, relationships, or any situation where things come together smoothly.

  • The choir sang in perfect harmony.
  • They lived in harmony with nature.
  • There is a sense of harmony within the team.
concord

This is a formal term for a state of agreement or harmony between people, groups, or nations. It is often utilized in political or historical contexts.

  • The leaders aimed to bring about concord between the nations.
  • The family lived in concord despite their differences.
  • A sense of concord spread throughout the community after the reconciliation.
accord

This word signifies agreement or consistency between people or groups. It can be used in formal contexts like legal agreements or treaties, or simply to denote mutual understanding.

  • The two countries reached a peace accord.
  • He was in full accord with the committee's decision.
  • They signed an accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
melody

This is a musical term used to describe a sequence of notes that are perceived as a single entity, often recognizable and pleasing to the ear.

  • She hummed a beautiful melody.
  • The melody of the song is very catchy.
  • He composed a new melody for the symphony.

Examples of usage

  • The harmony in this piece of music is absolutely beautiful.
  • The choir sang in perfect harmony.
Context #2 | Noun

general

Harmony refers to a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts.

Synonyms

agreement, balance, unity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harmony

Usually describes a situation where elements are working together in a pleasing and effective way, often used in music, relationships, nature, or design.

  • The choir sang in perfect harmony
  • The interior design of the room exudes harmony
balance

Refers to a situation where different elements are equal or in the correct proportions. Often used in physical contexts, but also in financial, emotional, or lifestyle-related discussions.

  • She maintained perfect balance on the tightrope
  • There's a fine balance between work and leisure
agreement

Often used when two or more parties have reached a consensus or come to a mutual decision, typically in legal, business, or personal contexts. It can also mean a simple understanding between people.

  • The two companies finally reached an agreement
  • There was mutual agreement on all points discussed
unity

Describes a state of being united or joined as a whole. Often used in social, political, or organizational contexts to describe solidarity and togetherness.

  • The team's unity was evident in their coordinated efforts
  • The speech was a call for national unity

Examples of usage

  • The garden was a perfect harmony of colors and scents.
  • They lived together in harmony with nature.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • In music, harmony refers to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously.
  • Chords are the building blocks of harmony, where multiple notes create a richer sound together.
  • The famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach used complex harmonies to express deep emotions in music.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures see harmony as an essential value, often promoting social cohesion and peace among communities.
  • In Eastern philosophies, such as Confucianism, harmony is a foundational concept for societal relations.
  • Art forms across the globe, from music to painting, often aim to evoke a sense of harmony for emotional impact.

Science

  • In biology, harmony can refer to the balance of ecosystems where different species coexist without harming each other.
  • Psychologically, researchers study harmony in relationships to understand how positive interactions lead to wellbeing.
  • The study of sound waves shows that harmony occurs when wavelengths interact beneficially, influencing how we perceive music.

Psychology

  • Human behavior often seeks harmony, as people are naturally inclined to resolve conflicts to create peace.
  • Cognitive dissonance theory explains that harmony is disrupted when beliefs and actions clash, prompting a need for resolution.
  • Practices like mindfulness meditation often focus on achieving inner harmony, reducing stress and anxiety.

Origin of 'harmony'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Greek word 'harmonia,' which means joint or agreement, reflecting unity.
  • In Latin, it evolved into 'harmonia', which signifies a consistent blending of different parts.
  • The concept has been present in language since the 14th century, indicating a long history of appreciating balance.

The word 'harmony' originated from Middle English 'harmonie', from Old French 'harmonie', from Latin 'harmonia', from Greek 'harmonia' meaning 'joint, agreement, concord'. The concept of harmony has been essential in music, philosophy, and various aspects of life throughout history, symbolizing unity, balance, and beauty.

See also: harm, harmed, harmful, harmfully, harmfulness, harming, harmless, unharmed.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,196, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.